Tuner Review: An Amusing, Conveniently Written Heist

      Oscar-winning director Daniel Roher expresses that he experienced a decline in his artistic inspiration following Navalny's success. It’s not surprising to reach the pinnacle of one's career and question what lies ahead. It was during this period that he encountered a piano tuner from Los Angeles named Peter White, who helped reignite his creative spark. While one might expect this meeting to result in a documentary about White and his work, it actually led to Roher's first fictional film.

      Since 2022, Roher has released two additional documentaries, suggesting that his creativity has returned. Was Tuner instrumental in reviving his artistic flow? It certainly seems that way. He emphasizes how personal this film is, and this connection resonates on screen, particularly through the lead character, an artist who finds his creative abilities fading away. Niki White (played by Leo Woodall) may have accepted this fate, but perhaps art hasn’t given up on him yet.

      Co-writing with Robert Ramsey, Roher presents this former child prodigy-turned-piano tuner from the perspective of his devoted fan and mentor, Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman). Although their connection is hinted at through references to Niki’s deceased father and his undeniable talent, the dialogue and indications of dementia raise questions about Harry's reliability as a narrator. Was Niki really that talented? Does Harry truly know Herbie Hancock?

      The film effectively explores this dynamic; the idea that Harry embellishes tales about his cherished subjects is charming and may even be more captivating than uncovering the truth. Yet, this knowledge doesn't benefit Niki at present. Their past accomplishments mean little to the affluent clients who own the unused baby grand pianos they repair daily. Most of these customers even expect the tuners to fix toilets as well.

      Reality gradually unfolds as we delve deeper into their lives, providing an immersive experience rather than mere exposition. This exploration is partly driven by Harry's illness, compelling Niki to sustain the business for both of them once Harry’s wife (Tovah Feldshuh as Marla) discovers his growing medical debts and his stubbornness. Niki is compelled to work independently, meet new people, and inadvertently slide into a life of crime that proves to be less "victimless" than he anticipates.

      Peter White undoubtedly influences the artistry behind the often-thankless role of a piano tuner. Roher's own struggles with identity and inspiration shape Niki’s inner conflict as he seeks his place in a world that has seemingly denied him what he believed was rightfully his. The heist element, stemming from a chance encounter with Uri (Lior Raz), injects dramatic excitement and raises the stakes. While intent and execution may not always align perfectly, it still offers an entertaining experience.

      Niki can no longer play the piano due to hyperacusis, a condition where his brain's sound perception causes severe pain. Rather than opting for hearing aids (which Harry often forgets to use), Niki uses plugs that mute sounds generally and carries headphones to block out noises that are deafening to him. Surprisingly, he discovers that this heightened sensitivity has a particular advantage: safe-cracking.

      Niki desperately needs money to support Harry; Uri is equally eager to access the safes he installs in affluent residences. He is aware that homeowners are often so preoccupied that they fail to notice when valuables go missing, and Niki can hear and “feel” the combination lock tumblers, allowing him to retrieve those items. He suddenly feels essential once more. The "curse" that robbed him of his dream now becomes a means to help others realize theirs.

      This introduces the central character drama: both Marla and Niki’s new girlfriend, Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu), a composition student dedicated to her piano studies, would disapprove of his methods. Marla urges Niki to find value in the tuning business that her husband taught him, whereas Ruthie desires for him to engage back in the music world, even if indirectly through her own ambitions. He yearns to be of use while grappling with a desire for validation.

      A plethora of questions arise. How is value connected to self-worth? When does emotional detachment from the repercussions of one's actions lead to issues for loved ones? Niki doesn’t create anything for himself through these side activities; instead, he teeters closer to the brink of destruction. However, he has built something meaningful with Harry and is constructing a bond with Ruthie—if only he could escape his own thoughts.

      One can expect the impending fallout as Uri’s jobs take on morally gray tones. Anticipate the tension when his stress coincides with Ruthie's, provoking the anger that he has only superficially camouflaged. It remains to be seen whether his frustration stems from past beliefs of being special or from an authentic understanding of his abilities—both rooted in his talent rather than his humanity.

      The script's progression may cleverly intertwine Niki’s professional, personal, and secret